Midland police officer shares insights about faith in new book

Published 4:55 am, Friday, June 27, 2014

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Midland police officer shares insights about faith in new book

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Being a police officer is about enforcing the law, protecting the peace and ensuring the safety of the public. According to longtime Midland police officer Steven Sanders, if you pay close attention, it can also be an opportunity to learn about God along the way.

Sanders’ new book, “Parables from Patrol,” is a collection of brief tales from his 12 years on the force and the lessons he’s learned about God and faith.

“People, and the whole world, are screwed up,” said Sanders. “We need Jesus, He offers us grace, and he’s just, and the whole point of life is to know and love God. We’re screwed up, and we need him.”

While Sanders had been interested in writing a book for some time, he was particularly inspired one Christmas when his sister-in-law gave him a book about funny police stories.

“I had already kind of had the idea in my head of writing a book, and so I started writing stuff down,” he said.

Unhappy with how his early attempts turned out, Sanders contemplated what he really wanted the essence of the book to be about.

“I (wanted) it to mean something more than just because it’s a funny story,” said Sanders. His faith being a big part of his life, the lessons he had learned about God became the obvious path for his book to take.

“I had a bunch of ideas already, so I just hammered it out really fast,” he said.

A native of Midland, Sanders majored in criminal justice — or “how to be the po-leece” — at Midland College, followed by Sul Ross University in Alpine.

Although Sanders had always dreamed of becoming a professional wrestler, once he got to college he “got more focused on wanting to save the world.”

“Although I could save the world if I was wearing tights and play-fighting, I wanted to have more of an impact,” said Sanders.

When he first started at the police department at the age of 23, Sanders said he was terrified.

“Before work I’d get on my knees and I’d pray, ‘God help me to be brave, even though I’m scared. Help me do the right thing, to do what’s right and to help your people when they need it. Let me know right from wrong that I may do what’s right and not screw this whole thing up including someone’s life.’ After a while I got to where I had survived for a few years and this was getting easy, this is fun,” said Sanders. “I still pray at all times. I still want help to do the right thing.”

A husband and a father of two — with another child the way — Sanders is passionate about his job.

“Police work is the greatest thing ever,” he said. “I plan to stay here until I die. I don’t want to retire eve. I just want to stay here and work because this job is awesome.”

Sanders hopes that his book about faith and police work will help readers to “get to know God better,” and have a positive impact on their lives.

While the book is not currently available in stores, a copy can be ordered online through Amazon.